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Love at the Service of Life
Dear Friends,
As I come to the end of my ministry as your archbishop, I reflect on the past years in your service. What I see first, is the many ways that you have strengthened me and consoled me, especially in the area of defending those whose lives are threatened by segments of our culture. I could have felt very much alone in this struggle, but you have been there beside me and continue to stand with me. I thank you for being there.
Threats to life exist in some sectors of our society. We approach these extremely difficult situation with, on one hand 'resolve' in the service of the sacredness of every human life, and on the other hand 'compassion'. We have to know that the unborn who are threatened are very much alone. We must not forget either that their mothers often feel deeply alone without support, even from the father of their child. May they always know our support!
The sick and disabled can also feel alone when their lives are threatened. We have to let them know that we are there upholding their right to live for as long as the Lord wills it. The aged too can feel helpless and alone. It is amazing to me when i think of all those wonderful people who care for all of our needy brothers and sisters. I thank them and I thank the Lord for them!
All of us together, in the many, may ways we show our love of life, make known to the world that our God is great and good and loving. He cares for all, from the greatest to the least. Even the very smallest human life in its very first stages is more precious to him than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31).
I pray for you all: may your faith be strong, your hope be firm and your charity be overflowing to the glory of God, our Father.
Sincerely yours in Christ our Lord,
Marcel Gervais
Archbishop of Ottawa
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